dog-friendly restaurants Archive

Valentine’s Day is near, which makes us ask the question: who’s your valentine this year? Ours (naturally) are our four-legged friends, our pets! Valentine’s Day is a way to show our loved ones how much we care about them, and we thought of five different ways to spoil your pup this Valentine season:

1. Snuggle it up. If you told us that a dog didn’t like a hug, we’d call you a liar. On Valentine’s Day, give your pup extra hugs, kisses and snuggles – after all, dogs are the most loving animals!

2. Take Bowser for a trip. Whether it be the dog park, an extended walk in the neighborhood or a road trip, give your dog the gift of excitement and fun of an adventure!

Spring forward is days away! How do you plan to enjoy your extra hour of evening light? Us busy office-bees have been buzzing about the many activities we’re planning to enjoy with our four-legged friends. Here are a few suggestions for getting active and soothing you and your pup’s spring fever in San Diego.

Make a splash

We have some darn good dog beaches down here in San Diego. The Original Dog Beach down in Ocean Beach and North Beach Dog Run in Coronado are both open 24 hours and off leash approved! Del Mar Dog Beach is a favorite among North County residents, allowing off leash after Labor Day through June 16th. Does your dog fear waves? Well then Fiesta Island is a great alternative offering calmer waters and sand dunes. Located in Mission Bay Park, dogs are allowed in most all areas on Fiesta Island between 6:00AM – 10:00PM. Many other beaches allow dogs on leash at certain hours, so be aware of the rules and make your way to the sand for some splish splashin’ fun with your fido!

Take a hike

Hitting the trails is much more fun with your hound in toe. San Diego County is filled with trails of varying levels, most giving a warm welcome to canine cohorts. DogVacay pulled together a list of some the top dog friendly hikes in San Diego, a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to start their search, providing brief overviews, addresses and hours. One of the most popular hikes in San Diego is Cowles Mountain, an up hill hike offering 360 degree views. Prefer a flatter trail? We’d suggest Los Penasquitos Canyon. The trail is surrounded by lush vegetation and a waterfall to enjoy at the end. If you and your pup are avid hikers and revel in serious heart pumping, Mt. Woodson, aka “Potato Chip Rock,” is a steep and strenuous dog-friendly hike. As with any outdoor activity, especially hiking in the heat, bring plenty of water for both you and your pup!

Visit a dog park

San Diego has so many to choose from! Canine Corners Dog Park in La Mesa, Poway Dog Park in Poway, and Nate’s Point, Grape Street Dog Park and Morley Field Dog Park all in beautiful Balboa Park, are just a few of the many dog parks that stand out throughout the county. Giving your pup the freedom to run and play in a gigantic green space is a true treat when living in a city. Not only do parks allow your pup to exercise, they are also great places to work on healthy socialization with other dogs and humans, an important lesson for every dog to learn. If none of the parks mentioned are nearby, search out a dog park in your neighborhood. Off leash dog parks are ideal, but many parks that aren’t dog specific also allow dogs on a leash, an alternative to sidewalk exploring.

Grab a bite, a brew, or both

We’re in no shortage of dog-friendly drinking and dining down here San Diego, often referred to as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. San Diego Pets Magazine put together a helpful list of go-to dog friendly restaurants to visit with your pup. San Diego is also busting at the seams with microbreweries, many of which welcome furry friends. Culture Brewing Co,our neighbor on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, comes to mind as they quickly caught on with the dog-friendly North County crowd. AleSmith Brewing Company, Mission Brewery and Green Flash Brewery are just a few of the "big-beer-boys" that also welcome dogs. Other dog-friendly breweries can be found inside The Complete Guide To San Diego Breweries.